Ray City celebrates its new park

The Ray City Playground Community-Build Day was held Saturday, marking the completion of a year long, volunteer-led effort to bring new playground equipment to the local park.

The facilities include equipment for children of all abilities and specially designed play features for children with autism.

The occasion was both a celebration and a day to work. Volunteers came out from businesses and organizations from around the area to help, including; Home Depot, Moody Air Force Base, students from the VSU foreign exchange program and the surrounding local neighborhood.

Children's activities were provided and included art projects that will enhance and beautify the space. The community-build model for playground construction was part of a $15,000 grant from the national non-profit KaBOOM!-and the Dr. Pepper-Snapple Group.

The Washington, DC based non-profit provided a portion of the funds for the playground, as well as organizational resources through their website. Area businesses and foundations provided additional support.

"We hope this project proves that with hard work, the South Georgia community can come together to make our home a better place." said project organizer and lead volunteer, Maria Arambula. The playground is located next to the Senior Citizen Center in Ray City at 1101 Patton Avenue and will be open for play on Thursday, June 20.